Local News

INOAC North America has been entrenched in the Washington County community for more than two decades, and if Friday’s meeting with local government was any indication, they’re going to be providing jobs for Washington Countians for many more years.

The Nelson County chapter of the American Red Cross took major strides forward with fundraising in Marion and Washington counties this year, and that’s because it’s become more than just a one-county organization.

Fundraising efforts have been a part of the Heroes campaign, which designates a person or group as a Red Cross Hero for raising or donating at least $1,000. Better representation on the Red Cross board has led to a big increase in local involvement in the organization.

Indictments have come down for 11 individuals involving crimes in Washington County, and among those named is Alejandro P. Ponce, who is charged with the stabbing of four people—including one teenager— on March 2.

A grand jury charged Ponce with three counts of first degree assault and one count of second degree assault.

The indictment states that Ponce “intentionally caused serious physical injury to at least three other persons by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.”

Architect Chris Gottongim has been charged with the task of designing Washington County’s next public library, and last week he got to know the community in an effort to find out what needs to go into the construction of the facility.

Cottongim, of 5253 Design Group in Louisville, spoke to between 25 and 30 community members for an hour last Thursday at the Washington County Cooperative Extension Office, and it didn’t take long for him to realize what is important to local residents.

The Bible reading marathon is back this year, beginning on Sunday at 6 p.m., and there are still plenty of slots available for anyone who wants to take part in the event in its ninth annual year.

The marathon has seen residents of Washington County and surrounding communities read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation each of the last eight years, and it’s an event that Bro. Cal Adams of Temple Baptist Church said presents a unique opportunity to the area.

A home burglary was reported a few weeks ago on E. High St. in Springfield and remains unresolved.

Sammie Nichols reported the crime on March 31 and informed authorities that the burglary occurred between March 24 and 31.

According to the police report, the offender broke in through the back door of the home, breaking several windows in the process, before making away with three antique chairs, four tables, vases, a doll collection, silverware and china, fishing equipment, tools, clothes, jewelry, a jar of change and two lamps.

Springfield and Washington County celebrated Earth Day on Monday with North Washington Elementary School third-graders, who found the importance of going green and learning more about the foods they eat.

Sr. Claire McGowan OP of the New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future spoke about what it means to conserve energy and protect the environment.

“This April, and every day, I am proud of the impact this office has on the lives of others, especially those in need of life-saving organ transplants. I am humbled at the generosity of our community,” said Washington County Circuit Clerk, JoAnne Miller. “Even through tough economic times, our community is committed to helping others.”